Leadership Advice from America's Most Trusted Leaders!

This article is Part 3 of a 3-part series by Colonel Albers on traits that can make or break a leader

Decisiveness

In the first part of this series we looked at humility – and how true humility is a critical trait that involves right thinking about oneself. Not more and not less. In the second part we examined how important steadfastness under trial is for the leader and for their team. In this final part of our 3-part series we will look at decisiveness and it’s importance in our daily leadership activity.

The Marine Corps engrained JJ DID TIE BUCKLE into my head in 1987 during Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia.… Read the rest

This article is Part 2 of a 3-part series by Colonel Albers on traits that can make or break a leader

Steadfastness During Trials

In the first part of this series we looked at humility – and how true humility is a critical trait that involves right thinking about oneself. Not more and not less. In this part we want to examine how important steadfastness is for the leader and for their team.

No matter your leadership role steadfastness is a bedrock trait to develop and sustain. Steadfastness can and does relate to simple consistency in our leadership actions that provides stability and predictability to our teams day to day.… Read the rest

This article is Part 1 of a 3-part series by Colonel Albers on traits that can make or break a leader

Humility

I think that humility is probably one of the least properly understood qualities of a leader. While avoiding pride is critical for a sound leader and citizen, people often equate humility to the opposite of pride. They strive to downplay who they are and the effect they have on those around them. In an attempt to avoid being vain they actually become vain by constantly downplaying who they are. All sort of lumped into this confusing thing we misconstrue as humility.… Read the rest

“Learn from others’ mistakes, you don’t have time to make the all yourself”GK Chesterton

From the time we’re very young we’re presented with a list of “don’ts” to set boundaries. To be sure young people get the lion’s’ share of the boundary setting, but every society and organization has its list of what you can’t do. Boundaries are necessary, but a leader’s job is to inspire people to group and individual achievement so the job can’t end at “don’t.” We have to be able to articulate a positive view of where we want our teammates and followers to be.… Read the rest

Thomas Merton, in his book, The Wisdom of the Desert, recounts a story of the early desert fathers. These were men who gave up everything to live a very simple monastic lifestyle focused on setting aside all elements of self in order to focus on building relationships of service toward others. However, even these pious, selfless men struggled with the battle between pride and humility.

Merton shares an example in which a certain brother was consistently praised by his contemporaries in the presence of Abbot Anthony, the leader of the community.… Read the rest

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